'Gold Eagle' Sailors Remember Holocaust

NEWPORT NEWS Va. (NNS) -- Sailors from USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) gathered in the chapel to honor the victims of the Holocaust April 21.

The American Heritage Observance Committee (AHOC) hosted the observance which focused on the culture, history and enormous sacrifices made by thousands of men, women and children.

"We were glad to do what we can," said Aviation Maintenance Administrationman 2nd Class Sheena Waddell, AHOC chairman. "It was a horrible moment in history but if we remember it maybe we can teach our youth the consequences of actions."

The ceremony began with a benediction by, Lt. Marlin Williams, chaplain, followed by a poem presented by Personnel Specialist 2nd Class Magaly Moore, and a song by Yeoman 1st Class (AW/SW) Melissa Lipscomb.

"The mood fit the observance," said Ensign Anitra Joseph, AHOC coordinator. "It was a sad moment in history and the ceremony is meant to be a reminder of what we lost."

"I was surprised to find out that no one did anything for several years," Waddell said. "Hitler almost won. Thinking about how that would have changed our history, it's scary."